Choosing a gown for your wedding day is one of those moments that every bride eagerly anticipates. It is an exciting feeling to go into a bridal store and sift through the wads of silk, lace and tulle, imagining the effect a certain dress will create when you make your entrance. As the bride, all of your guests will be looking forward to seeing what you wear. Your dress will be admired long after as well, when it is forever captured in your wedding photos.
When you are planning a wedding on a budget, though, you may not be able to spend thousands of dollars on the gown you’ve always dreamed of wearing. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a wedding dress you truly love. Here are some tips you can follow for saving money on your wedding gown, so you can be a picture-perfect bride while still staying within your means.
Rent a Dress. One very easy, affordable option is to rent your wedding dress. Many bridal shops offer this alternative to buying your own. If you won’t regret not having a wedding dress of your own to treasure, and maybe one day pass on to your own daughter, renting may be a very good choice for you.
Hire a Seamstress. For brides who do want a dress of their own, hiring a seamstress may be the answer. Find a dress you like then have your seamstress make you a less expensive version of the dress. Your dress may be made more affordable if you use less expensive fabric, follow a less elaborate style, or just make some adjustments, like having a shorter train. You will want to find a seamstress who is experienced in sewing wedding dresses to make sure it turns out like you hoped.
Look for Clearance Sales. Bridal shops often sell off-season dresses and discontinued dresses at incredible discounts. Keep your eye open for these sales and for your perfect dress. When shopping at a clearance sale, though, don’t let yourself get distracted by the full-priced incoming stock.
Buy a Used Dress. Some brides sell their dresses after their big day. Look on Craig’s List or eBay to find one that suits you. There might also be some consignment shops in your area that sell used wedding dresses.
Borrow a Dress. Your mother, aunt, cousin, sister or friend might have a dress that would look perfect on you for your special day. Wearing a dress that belongs to someone you love may make the day all the more special for you. If you do decide to borrow a dress, be sure it’s within two sizes of what you wear in order for it to be altered properly.
Buy from Brides Against Breast Cancer. One more place you can look for a wedding dress is Brides Against Breast Cancer http://bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/ This is an organization that women donate their used wedding dresses to, and they are resold at a discount to raise money for breast cancer. They have sales in various places in the United States.
By following these tips for saving money on a wedding gown, you will be able to make the entrance you envisioned without going over your wedding budget.
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